CD Reviews

Outstanding Collection of Modern Big Band Arrangements

Donald Christensen | USA | 05/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While Dave Grusin spent so many years perfecting the art of "fusion" and making it marketable through GRP, many of his critics assumed that he'd forgotten his traditional jazz underpinnngs. Here Grusin bears his soul with this project, assembling players who know how to create a dynanic and convincing big band sound. The recordings showcase the talents of players such as the legedary trupeter Arturo Sandoval, with Randy Brecker, Russell Ferrante, Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer, Dave Valentin and John Patitucci. Sax man Watts and Trumpeter Sandoval figure prominently as two of Grusin's favorite solists on several recordings, but Tom Scott, Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell and Lee Ritenour make a significant impact as well. It is very sad that this 1992 release is out of print, but an import version with additional tracks is available at Amazon called "Rediscovery on GRP." The Album should be listed as a top 10 big Band CD for the 21st Century and beyond. From the first cut of the Sonny Rollins' tune "Aireign" to a special arrangement of Corea's "Spain," the sounds are "Phat" and straight-forward, covering both the hard-bob era of the 50's and 60's while re-working a few contemporary pieces. Big Band is a dying art form, but this effort will serve to keep it alive for quite some time."